Photo: Women LIC members meet with the STFA team during a mission in Nangarhar Province. © STFA Immy Mulekatete

In Bar Shikhmisry town in Nangarhar Province, returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and host community members barely knew one another. There were no community ties; they didn’t trust each other and used to fight over the few available opportunities.

That began to change with the establishment of Local Implementation Committees (LICs) under the STFA-supported Eastern Region Joint Programme, implemented by UN-Habitat and IOM.

30 women and 30 men representing four villages meet periodically to identify community priorities, develop Community Action Plans (CAPs), and connect residents with available resources. Through consultations, focus group discussions, and community meetings, they have identified priorities ranging from solar energy for schools and improved water supply to healthcare, vocational training, and education opportunities for girls.

So far, three schools have been equipped with solar power systems, a water supply network has been constructed, while crockery sets have been distributed in the four villages and are now used during community gatherings and ceremonies. Other priorities identified through the LICs, including shelter support and home gardens, have since been taken up by other organizations, demonstrating the value of community-led planning.

Beyond infrastructure, the committees have become a safe space. Women gather regularly at a committee member’s home to discuss community issues, welcome newly arrived returnees, and share information about services in their town. During Ramadan, they organized an iftar for newly returned families, creating an opportunity for neighbours to connect and strengthen the sense of belonging across the villages.

"We didn't know each other before. Through this committee, we are building relationships. Now we are like family." One of the committee members said.

The Local Implementation Committees are rebuilding trust, strengthening social cohesion, and ensuring that recovery is led by the communities themselves. Beyond the lifespan of the programme, they will continue to serve as representative community structures, bringing people together, identifying priorities, advocating for local needs, and helping connect communities with future development opportunities.